Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:
- Advance Airport Development
- Transform the Customer Experience
- Optimize Ongoing Business
- Cultivate Our Culture
Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.
Why You'll Love Working at SAN:
- Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline
- Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department
- Salary: The hiring salary for Accounting Manager is $133,659-$143,015.03 The full pay range for Accounting Manager is $100,874-$166,443
- Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 - 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
- Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work
- Application Deadline: April 10, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date
About the Job:
The Accounting department is looking for an
Accounting Manager with a focus on accounts receivable, billing operations, and process improvement to support the Airport Authority's complex and evolving financial environment. This role provides leadership and technical expertise to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely accounting operations while leading a team that plays a key role in how the organization delivers on its financial commitments.
This includes billing for airlines and tenants across the airport, where charges are driven by detailed rate structures, fees, and agreements. While most candidates won't come in with direct experience in this space, this role offers the opportunity to learn and apply how these elements shape airport operations and revenue. Within a broader accounting environment that includes financial reporting, compliance, and audit coordination, the Accounting Manager partners closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to provide guidance on billing and accounting matters and bring clarity to complex financial information.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in accounting and billing operations, along with the ability to communicate clearly and build trust with a variety of audiences. They are naturally curious, seek to understand the "why" behind the work, and are motivated to improve both processes and people.
This is an opportunity to lead a function where the work goes beyond the numbers—where how you communicate, build trust, and bring clarity to complex billing directly shapes how accounting is experienced across the organization and for our tenants.
What You'll Do:
- Accounts Receivable & Billing Oversight: Lead AR operations, including tenant and airline billing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with rate structures, fees, and agreements
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop staff; set clear expectations and foster a high-performing, service-oriented team
- Financial Reporting & Close: Direct preparation and review of financial statements and reports; ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close
- Compliance, Controls & Audit: Ensure adherence to GAAP, GASB, IRS, and public-sector requirements; maintain internal controls and coordinate audit activities
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes, procedures, and systems to increase efficiency and clarity
- Stakeholder Support & Communication: Provide technical guidance and respond to complex accounting and billing inquiries; translate financial information clearly for internal teams and tenants
The Skills You Need:
- Strategic & Operational Leadership — Aligns accounting operations with organizational goals; translates priorities into actionable plans and monitors performance
- People Management & Talent Development — Sets clear expectations, coaches and develops staff, and fosters a high-performing, service-oriented team
- Financial Acumen — Applies strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and public-sector standards including GAAP and GASB
- Critical Evaluation — Analyzes complex financial data, identifies issues and trends, and develops sound recommendations
- Integrity & Professional Judgment — Exercises discretion and sound judgment when navigating sensitive financial matters and regulatory requirements
- Process Improvement Orientation — Identifies and implements improvements to accounting processes, systems, and workflows
- Communication & Advisory Skills — Clearly communicates complex financial information and provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders
About the Team:
The Accounting team is collaborative, detail-driven, and committed to financial integrity across the Airport Authority. From supporting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and monthly close processes to audits and capital project accounting, the team plays a direct role in ensuring accurate reporting and sound financial decision-making.
Our work spans accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and cash management, capital improvement projects, investments, and debt. This structure provides exposure to the full financial ecosystem of the airport, while allowing team members to build depth in their areas of focus. The team works closely with departments across the organization, values thoughtful problem-solving, and takes pride in producing reliable, transparent financial information that supports airport operations and long-term planning.
Requirements
The Experience You Need to Have**:
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the full range of accounting functions and financial reporting, with two years in a supervisory or lead capacity, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, or a closely related field.
Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or prior experience in a CPA firm.
- Don't meet every requirement? That's okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don't—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it's not the right fit, we'll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land
EEO Statement
It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Physical & Mental Demands
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.